Kibra MP Kenneth Okoth plans to introduce a Marijuana Control Bill, 2018 with a view to decriminalising the growth and use of bhang.
He revealed this in a letter to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi on Friday.
The lawmaker said amnesty measures should be instituted for the removal of criminal records against citizens with prior convictions of marijuana use.
“There is a regulation for growth and safe use of marijuana and hemp, including the registration of growers, producers, and manufacturers.”
“….and users with special focus on protection of children minors from illicit use just as we do with tobacco and alcohol,” Okoth said.
The MP noted that there is research and policy development on growth and use of marijuana and hemp for medical industrial textile and recreational purposes.
This, he said, is with a focus on preservation of intellectual property rights for Kenyan research and national heritage, knowledge and our indigenous plant assets.
“The should be progressive taxation measures for the marijuana industry to boost Kenya’s economic independence and promote job creation.”
He argues that thousands of jobs are possible to come by along the full spectrum of the value addition chain for marijuana and hemp.
Okoth asked Muturi for assistance in preparation of the necessary Bill for publication.
Here is a copy of the drafted bill by Ken Okoth.
